Árbær Open Air Museum
- bjkirk
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
The Árbær Open Air Museum (Árbæjarsafn) in Reykjavík offers a captivating journey into Iceland's past, showcasing over 20 historic buildings that recreate a 19th- and early 20th-century Icelandic village. Situated at Kistuhylur 4, approximately 8 km southeast of downtown Reykjavík, the museum provides an immersive experience of Icelandic life before industrialization .visitreykjavik.is+9frommers.com+9introducingiceland.com+9
🏠 Museum Highlights
Historic Buildings: The museum features a town square, village, and farm, with structures such as turf-roofed houses, a 19th-century church, workshops, and a WWII-era storage hut. Many buildings were relocated from central Reykjavík to preserve their historical value .frommers.com+5ferdalag.is+5visitreykjavik.is+5
Living History: During summer months, staff dressed in period costumes engage in traditional crafts, farming activities, and cooking demonstrations, offering visitors a firsthand look at Icelandic heritage .frommers.com
Guided Tours: Daily English-language guided tours at 1:00 PM enhance the experience by providing in-depth insights into the exhibits and historical context .
📅 Visiting Information
Opening Hours:
June–August: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
September–May: Daily from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Admission Fees:
Adults: 2,350 ISK
Students: 1,120 ISK
Children under 17: Free
Reykjavík City Card holders: Free admission reddit.com+3awaytothecity.com+3travel.usnews.com+3
Getting There: The museum is accessible via public buses (lines 5, 6, 15, and 18), with a short walk from the nearest stop. Driving takes about 15–20 minutes from the city center, and free parking is available on-site .
🧭 Why Visit?
The Árbær Open Air Museum offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience Iceland's cultural evolution. It's an ideal destination for history enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in understanding the roots of Reykjavík's development. The combination of authentic architecture, interactive exhibits, and knowledgeable guides makes it a memorable addition to your Reykjavík itinerary.
